CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, NJ — The Borough of West Wildwood is weighing the possibility of disbanding its police department entirely following months of severe staffing shortages, according to Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland.
Since the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office assumed control of the department in January, law enforcement personnel levels have fallen to critical lows, directly impacting the department’s ability to provide adequate public safety coverage. Prosecutor Sutherland, who oversees law enforcement operations across Cape May County, has mobilized neighboring municipalities to fill the gap.
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to the leadership and officers of Wildwood, North Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest for answering the call to assist during this time of need,” Sutherland said in a statement.
The police departments from these nearby towns have agreed to contribute officers and resources to maintain uninterrupted police services in West Wildwood while local officials explore permanent solutions. The cooperative arrangement is designed to ensure the safety of residents despite the ongoing personnel crisis.
Sutherland stated the assistance is a temporary measure and emphasized that maintaining public safety is the county’s highest priority. “We are working collaboratively to ensure that the residents of West Wildwood receive the protection and service they deserve,” he said.
Borough officials seek permanent solution
West Wildwood’s Borough Commissioners are actively reviewing long-term options, which reportedly include fully outsourcing police services to one or more of the neighboring departments now providing temporary support.
The staffing problems began earlier this year when the Prosecutor’s Office superseded the department amid ongoing operational challenges. Details of the issues leading to the supersession have not been disclosed publicly.
The consolidation of police services is not uncommon among small New Jersey municipalities facing financial and operational pressures. Regionalization can help cut costs and stabilize services, but often raises concerns about local control and response times.
For now, law enforcement coverage in West Wildwood continues uninterrupted due to the regional cooperation coordinated by the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office.
